# NTSB NYC97LA096: Cessna 172M, N4430R, Galion, OH, May 18, 1997 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: May 18, 1997, 12:45 local (16:45 UTC) - Place: Galion, OH - Coordinates: 40.729614, -82.789871 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.7296&lon=-82.7899&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report June 21, 2000 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 39361 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC97LA096 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39361/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97LA096 ## Probable cause The inadvertent encounter with the helicopter main rotor downwash during the initial takeoff climb. Subsequently, the airplane descended and impacted the ground. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Vortex turbulence encountered, takeoff - initial climb - propeller/jet blast encounter - inadvertent (cause) - In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled - terrain condition - ground ## Analysis While a helicopter was approaching the south side of runway 23 from the east, the airplane pilot was conducting a takeoff from runway 23. During the initial takeoff climb, about 50 above ground level, the airplane encountered main rotor downwash from the helicopter. The airplane then descended and impacted the ground. The airplane pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. The airplane pilot further reported that after the accident, the helicopter landing site was relocated to an area further away from the active runway. ## Factual narrative On May 18, 1997, about 1245 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N4430R, was substantially damaged when it encountered wake turbulence during the initial takeoff climb at the Galion Municipal Airport, Galion, Ohio. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight. No flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In a written statement submitted by the pilot, he stated the following: "I was preparing for departure on runway 23. The...helicopter was approaching for landing on the grass near the hangars. I completed the engine run-up and started my take off run. After lift off and about fifty feet altitude, I encountered severe turbulence from the helicopter rotor which tipped the [airplane] almost vertical to the right. I was able to get the [airplane] leveled before it made hard contact with the runway. The nose wheel strut collapsed letting the propeller strike the ground. We came to a stop on the grass between the runway and the taxiway. After our encounter with the turbulence, they moved the helicopter landing site much farther from the active runway." The pilot reported that the helicopter was approaching from the east to the south side of runway 23. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N4430R](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4430R), registered now, S/N 17263175, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna 172M - Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17263175 - Airframe hours: 1756 - Engines: Lycoming IO-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Registered owner: Richard R. Grove - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, December 18, 1996, 26 hours before - Departed: GQQ - Airport: GQQ, Galion Municipal Airport, runway 23, 3,504 × 75 ft, asphalt ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 78; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,556 total, 1,293 in this make and model, 18 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: variable at 6 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 63 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg - Observed at: MFD, 10 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 19970518015889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970518015889A), May 18, 1997: Cessna 172M, Galion, OH, Substantial damage. (.4)The inadvertent encounter with the helicopter main rotor downwash during the initial takeoff climb. Subsequently, the airplane descended and impacted the… From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.